Military Service

Are you considering enlisting in the U.S. Military?

Here are some things to consider  if you would like to enlist: 

  • Military life will challenge you mentally and physically. 
  • There are certain qualifications you must obtain before moving forward. 
  • It will need to be a commitment as you take an oath to be a service member for your country. 
  • In Military life, you will experience some sort of separation from your family or close ones. 
  • Ultimately, there could be a risk to you, for the sole purpose of the U.S. military is to defend it's country. 
  • Anyone who wishes to enlist in the military has a minimum four year service obligation. 
  • Here is a great website that has a general overview of the careers and benefits of military life.

Steps and Timeline for Enlisting

  • Junior year would be a good time to get things started!
  • Contact a recruiter
  • Report to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station)- screens and processes applicants into the U.S. Armed Forces
    • A multiple choice exam will be taken called the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
    • Take a physical exam
    • Meet with a counselor to determine a career (career choice is not always your choice - it will depend on testing & how you do)
    • Take an oath of enlistment at the end of all the testing and screenings.
  • Applicants will either have Direct Ship: (start basic training right away) or Delayed Entry Program (DEP) commit to a basic training within a year, depending on their job assignment and branch.

Military Branches

Air Force

“The U.S. Air Force is the world’s preeminent force in air, space and cyberspace. We maintain that distinction by maintaining our objective of global vigilance, reach and power and remaining true to our vision statement: The World’s Greatest Air Force—Powered by Airmen, Fueled by Innovation. Through shared values, key capabilities and upholding our Airman’s Creed, we continue to achieve our mission and aim high in all we do.”  (https://www.airforce.com/) 

Basic Training: 8 weeks

Local Recruiter

3436 W College Ave, 
Appleton, WI 54914
920.246.6253
https://www.airforce.com/ 

Army

“To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt and sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

The Army mission is vital to the Nation because we are the service capable of defeating enemy ground forces and indefinitely seizing and controlling those things an adversary prizes most – its land, its resources and its population.”  (https://www.army.mil/)

Basic Training: 9 weeks

Local Recruiter

3436 W College Ave, 
Appleton, WI 54914
920.882.7280
https://www.army.mil/

Coast Guard

“The mission of the United States Coast Guard is to ensure our Nation's maritime safety, security and stewardship. We will serve our Nation through the selfless performance of our missions. We will honor our duty to protect those we serve and those who serve with us. We will commit ourselves to excellence by supporting and executing our operations in a proficient and professional manner.” (https://www.uscg.mil/)

Basic Training: 8 weeks

Recruiter

Cumberland Metro Office 
5523 N. Cumberland Ave.
Suite 1201
Chicago, Illinois 60656
773.775.2451
https://www.uscg.mil/ 

Marine Corps

“Our Core Values are Honor, Courage and Commitment, and if you are to become one of us, they will be the values you live by and fight with as well. They are the building blocks that will aid you in making the right decisions at the right time, both on the battlefield and in our Nation’s communities.” (https://www.marines.mil/)

Basic Training: 13 weeks

Local Recruiter

3436 W College Ave, 
Appleton, WI 54914
920.968.0411
https://www.marines.mil/

Navy

"The United States is a maritime nation, and the U.S. Navy protects America at sea. Alongside our allies and partners, we defend freedom, preserve economic prosperity, and keep the seas open and free. Our nation is engaged in long-term competition. To defend American interests around the globe, the U.S. Navy must remain prepared to execute our timeless role, as directed by Congress and the President. " (https://www.navy.mil/About/Mission/)

Basic Training: 7 weeks

Local Recruiter

3436 W College Ave, 
Appleton, WI 54914
920.882.6623
https://www.navy.mil/

Space Force

“The USSF is a military service that organizes, trains, and equips space forces in order to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force. USSF responsibilities include developing Guardians, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to our Combatant Commands.” (https://www.spaceforce.mil/)

Basic Training: 7.5 weeks

Local Recruiter

“Throughout the next year, the Department of the Air Force will determine career and accession paths for military and civilian personnel assigned or wanting to be assigned to U.S. Space Force.  While the exact process of joining the U.S. Space Force is still being developed, anyone interested in joining the U.S. Space Force should look at current Air Force space-focused career fields such as Space Operations or Space Systems Maintenance.” https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/FAQs/

United States National Guard

Army National Guard

The Army National Guard is a component of the Army. It is comprised of civilians who serve their community, state, and country on a part-time basis. Each state has their own Army National Guard. The Guard serves and protects domestically, but there have been times that they have been deployed overseas. 

Basic Training: 10 weeks

Local Recruiter

3913 W. Prospect Ave
Appleton, WI 54914
920.915.0246

Air National Guard

The Air National Guard is a component of the Air Force. It is comprised of individuals who are serving their community and country on a federal and state mission. The Air guard may be called upon by the President to join the Active Duty Air Force if a situation were to arise for their assistance. 

Basic Training: 8.5 weeks

Local Base

Truax Field 
3110 Mitchell St
Madison, WI 53704
800.236.4683

Military Academies

Military academies are the highest level of military service/preparation you can enter directly out of high school.   They are both a college and preparation for military service.  Upon completion of your time in an academy, you will have earned your bachelor’s degree as well as officer status in the military.  Entrance into the academies is competitive, and you typically have to start the process your junior year. 

5 National Military Academies

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